Real Estate Market

Note: October data below is the most recent published by the National Association of Realtors®.

Data from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) shows sales of existing homes grew in October to the briskest pace since early summer, but an ongoing lack of supply resulted in fewer closings for a second straight month.

Nationally, total sales of existing homes (counts completed transactions for single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops) bumped up 2.0% to 5.48 million in October from 5.37 million in September. Despite the uptick in velocity, sales remain 0.9% lower than one year ago.
NAR's chief economist, Lawrence Yun, indicated that October's sales activity picked up for the second consecutive month, with increases across all four major regions. "Job growth in most of the country continues to carry on at a robust level and is starting to slowly push up wages, which is in turn giving households added assurance that now is a good time to buy a home" Yun said. He added that "While the housing market gained a little more momentum last month, sales are still below year ago levels because low inventory is limiting choices for prospective buyers and keeping price growth elevated."

Housing Data Takeaways

The median existing-home price (all housing types) in October was $247,000, up 5.5% from October 2016 ($234,100). October's price increase marks 68th months in a row of year-over-year gains.

On average U.S. properties stayed on the market for 34 days in October, unchanged from September and down from 41 days a year ago. Forty-seven percent of homes sold in October were on the market for less than a month.

Mortgage data from Freddie Mac shows the average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 3.90% in October from 3.81% in September. For all of 2016, the average commitment rate was 3.65%.

Nationally, first-time buyers drove 32% of October's sales, up from 29% in September but a drop from 33% one year ago.

Ready for Winter?

Winter is one of our favorite times of the year! It's often easy to overlook your home's needs with so many activities happening. Here is a simple checklist of items that can save you money through the winter:

Check for leaks and drafts around the house. Replace weather stripping and re-caulk around doors and windows. Drafty doors and windows will cool off the house and cost you money in heating bills.

Inspect your attic's insulation. Heat rises so adding good insulation can keep the heat from escaping.

Consider changing from standard light bulbs to energy saving bulbs. Winter uses a lot of your electricity so even saving a little here and there will help.

Whether you live in a warm or cold climate, take this opportunity to inspect your home systems. You'll be money ahead in the long run!

Investing in Real Estate

Today's low interest rates and stabilized home prices have created some great investment opportunities!

Investing in real estate has unique advantages over other types of investments. Of course, wise investors may have various instruments in their portfolio, but real estate has a long-term track record of proving its worth.

Here are some of real estate investing's advantages:

Interest in mortgage loans are tax-deductible. Investors can lower their tax liability while increasing their equity.